Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what discussions he has had with the Solicitors Regulation Authority following the collapse of PM Property Lawyers; and what steps he is taking to ensure continuity of service for clients when a law firm ceases trading.

The legal profession in England and Wales, together with its regulators, operates independently of Government. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is responsible for regulating the professional conduct of solicitors and most law firms in England and Wales, with oversight from the Legal Services Board (LSB). The SRA has powers to protect clients' interests when a regulated law firm ceases trading, including by intervening to secure client files and money and appointing an intervention agent.

The SRA intervened in PM Law Ltd and associated firms (including PM Property Lawyers) on 4 February 2026 and appointed Gordons LLP as intervention agent. Gordons has contacted affected clients, prioritised urgent requests and helped them access their files. The SRA has published guidance for affected clients (https://www.sra.org.uk/news/news/pm-law-intervention/) to help them find alternative representation and progress their cases. It has also taken steps to return client money, while eligible clients may apply to its discretionary Compensation Fund.

Following the closure of PM Law Ltd and associated firms, I met the Chief Executive of the SRA on 12 February to seek assurances on the steps being taken to protect affected clients, including the return of client money. My officials and I continue to engage with both the SRA and LSB on the action being taken in response, including on the lessons learnt and steps being taken to strengthen consumer protection and maintain public confidence in legal services regulation.